The New York Giants and New England Patriots square off in the Super Bowl for the second time in just four years on Sunday, Feb. 5.
The MarketWatch.com website has estimated that Americans will consume 1.5 billion chicken wings during the final football match-up of the season. Don't be left out.
This Briefing Brought to you by: The SELF-CONDIMIZING HOT DOG. Paris has it's Eiffel Tower, London it's Big Ben. New York has its Empire State Building and Moscow its Red Square. But only in Twin Oaks, North Carolina do you find this homage to the great American casual meal, the Self-Condimizing Hot Dog.
Sparta Invis-A-Rack Inventor, Donny McCall, will be on National Television
on ABC Network's reality based show "Shark Tank". Airing will
be Friday, January 27 at 8p. McCall was invited to the show to
showcase his product to potential multi-millionaire investors. Be sure to tune in and see Donny tackle
the tough questions the sharks have for this inventive entrepreneur. You
may even get to see some of the Alleghany landscape, because the producers came
to Sparta to film his hometown.
EDWARDS TAKES WELLNESS POST: Drew Edwards has been named as new Alleghany Wellness Center general manager and has been on the job since Jan. 18, The son of Carlton and Diane Edwards, Ennice, he is an ASU graduate in recreation management. Previously he worked for High Council of Governments. He replaces Ted Orton and interim manager Ed Choplin. Drew is no stranger to the Wellness Center. He's been holding Boot Camps since November. "We re looking to expand the program base," Edwards said, "reach out in the county and help the health of the community."WANT TO START A RESTAURANT: Grayson National Bank is holding a sale of restaurant equipment that formerly belonged to Todd's Dining Car, 517 West Stuart Dr., Hillsville, VA on Jan. 27. Check the list of items for sale: http://sparta-nc.com/RestEquipSale1-27-12.pdf
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: If you ever dreamed of living on a mountain with perfect climate, majestic views, and with an exceptional golf course right out your window, you owe it to yourself to see High Meadows. Far from noise, traffic, and crime, you will find warm comrades and the joys of a private club lifestyle. The George Cobb design course with the best greens you will see anywhere is rated by pros and magazines alike as an outstanding course that is great to play. With four sets of tees, the course challenges the best players, but is still enjoyable for senior golfers and sets up beautifully for women. Other amenities include a swimming pool, tennis courts and walking trails. Dining at the club is culinary delight with specials every Wednesday and a Sunday brunch. This is just a taste of what to expect at High Meadows. Plan a visit to see the natural beauty and all the Club has to offer. High Meadows might just be your dream come true! (The above description and picture are on the Chamber's listing for High Meadows Country Club. Regrettably, few of our members' listings are as extensive and inviting. But they could be. Chamber members, check your listing description at CoolSparta.com or Sparta-nc.com. (Click on the Business and Community tab.) If it's not all it can be, call and we will work with you to make it sing. The inclusion of a photo is $30 a year. 336-372-5473)
NIKOLAS' WINTER DINING SPECIAL: Print this coupon and January through March, you can order one entree and get the second half off. Make a date with someone special and take advantage of the winter meal deal. 336-363-6060
QUICK EDITORIAL: I was in the CableVision office to drop off the Volleyball banner for them to hang -- all the banners hung over the street are done at no charge by George or a CableVision employee -- and I found owner George Sheets hunkered over a list of his channel offerings and charges. He explained that he used to be able to re-broadcast the so-called "free" channels that locals can receive with an antenna at no cost. That has changed. While Alleghany CableVision has always paid a per subscriber fee for most cable channels, e.g. CNN, TNT, CMT, in the last few years the surrounding local stations are demanding similar payments. "Free TV is not free anymore," George said. He explained that he dickers with each station for the lowest rate, but now about half of what his subscribers pay goes straight to the channel providers.
There was a time when the Cable Industry was regulated and the Sparta Town Council had some say in cable rates. Whether the council could have halted increased charges to the cable companies is not clear. But what is clear is that cable deregulation has left us with capitalism at its purest and every broadcaster is out for every penny available. With a small, local cable provider squeezed between charges from larger broadcasters and competition from national satellite services, profits are hard to come by. It's another example of small, local business being pushed aside by bigger players in the industry.
"I am at a loss to know how to handle all the increases and keep our rate at a reasonable cost," Sheets lamented. "I appreciate all our customers who have stuck with us while we are working hard to survive. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated."
QUICK EDITORIAL: I was in the CableVision office to drop off the Volleyball banner for them to hang -- all the banners hung over the street are done at no charge by George or a CableVision employee -- and I found owner George Sheets hunkered over a list of his channel offerings and charges. He explained that he used to be able to re-broadcast the so-called "free" channels that locals can receive with an antenna at no cost. That has changed. While Alleghany CableVision has always paid a per subscriber fee for most cable channels, e.g. CNN, TNT, CMT, in the last few years the surrounding local stations are demanding similar payments. "Free TV is not free anymore," George said. He explained that he dickers with each station for the lowest rate, but now about half of what his subscribers pay goes straight to the channel providers.
There was a time when the Cable Industry was regulated and the Sparta Town Council had some say in cable rates. Whether the council could have halted increased charges to the cable companies is not clear. But what is clear is that cable deregulation has left us with capitalism at its purest and every broadcaster is out for every penny available. With a small, local cable provider squeezed between charges from larger broadcasters and competition from national satellite services, profits are hard to come by. It's another example of small, local business being pushed aside by bigger players in the industry.
"I am at a loss to know how to handle all the increases and keep our rate at a reasonable cost," Sheets lamented. "I appreciate all our customers who have stuck with us while we are working hard to survive. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated."
HAPPENING EVERY WEEK: Alleghany Memories: Interviews with long-time Alleghany residents recalling local history Every Thursday at 8p on Alleghany CableVision Channel 98 (formerly Channel 50) and Skybest cable channel 21.
Chamber Gift Certificates: Green like money! Can be redeemed at any Chamber Merchant for goods and services (even at the flowers, gifts, and cards shop.)
Weather permitting, there's lots to do in our community. Where provided, click on the links for more information.
Through the month of January, the Blue Ridge Business Development Center is hosting their annual Atrium Quilt Show. And the Alleghany Library is accepting entries into the NWRL Photo Contest. The Library is also holding a book sale to support Luke Hampton.
Sunday, January 29
Why go out of town when you can go to the movie theater right here in Alleghany County? Save the gas and enjoy 2 movies, popcorn, soft drink and candy for one low admission price of $5.00 with the proceeds benefiting the Razors Edge Skatepark and Youth Ministry. Playing this Sunday: Over the Hedge and Abduction.
Tuesday, January 31
Seafood at its best: Low Country Boil Seafood handling the cooking tips, meal and workshop. Check it out. Seafood is good for you and tastes great when properly prepared. Meal included!
Sunday, February 5
Why go out of town when you can go to the movie theater right here in Alleghany County? Save the gas and enjoy 2 movies, popcorn, soft drink and candy for one low admission price of $5.00 with the proceeds benefiting the Razors Edge Skatepark and Youth Ministry. Playing this Sunday: Igor and Reel Steel.
AREA MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT
>> Alleghany Jubilee: Come to listen or come to dance to the blue grass and old time musicians who play on Tuesday beginning at 7p and Saturday at 8p. Admission $4. The Jubilee is located on North Main Street, across from the courthouse. 336-372-4591
>> Crouse House Pickers: Local blue grass and old time musicians jam each Monday, 2 blocks north of the Courthouse at the Crouse House in Crouse Park, beginning at 6p. Come and play or just listen. No charge, but a donation is appreciated. 336-372-5473
ACTV SPECIALS
>> Alleghany Jubilee on TV: Every Thursday at 7p on Alleghany CableVision channel 98 (formerly Channel 50) and Skybest cable channel 21.
>> Alleghany Memories: Interviews with long-time Alleghany residents recalling local history Every Thursday at 8p on Alleghany CableVision Channel 98 (formerly Channel 50) and Skybest cable channel 21.
GREAT ACTIVITIES TO DO ANYTIME
>> Barn Quilt Trails: Barns and other structures throughout Alleghany County are adorned with large squares illustrating quilt patterns and add interest to a driving tour of the countryside. Drop by Alleghany Chamber of Commerce and Visitors' Center for a brochure. We are in the rock building with the green awning (58 South Main Street, Sparta). Our foyer is always open and a brochure is always available.
>> Driving Loops: Brochures for three driving loops of the Alleghany countryside are available at the Alleghany Chamber of Commerce and Visitors' Center. Each loop is about a leisurely hour's drive and includes information on historic points along the way. The Chamber office is in the rock building with the green awning (58 South Main Street, Sparta). Our foyer is always open and a brochure is always available.
>> Alleghany Historical Museum is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stop by to experience local history and to see the new displays, 7 North Main Street, Sparta.
>> Veterans' Morning Coffee at the VFW: The VFW hosts an informal coffee just for veterans every Wednesday from 8:30-11 a.m. Click to learn more.
Check for upcoming events: On our website are listings for our Calendar. Check them often and let us know if your activity is not listed.
Bob Bamberg
Executive Director
Alleghany Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 1237 Sparta, NC 28675
336-372-5473
Director@Sparta-NC.com
Sparta-NC.com
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